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Rising beef costs push US barbecue chain into Chapter 11 protection
Smoke Ring LLC, operator of Ray Ray’s barbecue brands, filed Chapter 11 after store closures as soaring beef prices and operating costs eroded profitability.
A popular US barbecue operator has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy after shutting nearly half its restaurant locations, highlighting the severe pressure from rising meat costs. Smoke Ring LLC, which runs the Ray Ray’s and Ray Ray’s Hog Pit brands, cited surging beef and pork prices, higher labour expenses, and weaker consumer spending. Industry data show US beef prices rose over 13 percent year on year by August 2025, squeezing margins for barbecue focused eateries that rely heavily on red meat. The chain had already closed multiple outlets before seeking court protection.